Between the two tines of a Meisterstück nib there must, by design, be no height difference; any visible step causes the nib to scratch when writing instead of gliding smoothly. A half-paper-thickness offset is therefore not a tolerance value but an alignment error that should be corrected by a qualified specialist dealer or in the boutique. In individual cases suspected defects turn out to be a pure nib-width misunderstanding: an F nib can seem scratchy to a writer used to an M nib, without there being a defect. For a really suitable writing experience collectors recommend, in case of doubt, exchanging the nib via Montblanc, although the cost (nib and lower section change) can lie in the region of 200 euros.